Over 100 older people took part in a day of activities and friendly competition during the 2nd annual Mobile Me Festival on Friday 29th September, on the same day Active Norfolk was awarded the In Good Company Plus Mark for the impact its work has on reducing loneliness and social isolation in Norfolk.
The Mobile Me Festival allows these older residents, who all live in sheltered housing and residential care schemes from Norwich and Broadland and take part in the 10-week Mobile Me project, the chance to come together and socialise, whilst showing off the skills they've learned throughout the project. Trophies were awarded for many of the activities, which included short mat bowls, New Age Kurling, seated dance, boccia, and table tennis, and all attendees on the day received a medal for taking part.
The Festival takes place on the Friday before Older People's Day, which falls annually on 1st October, to celebrate older people and honour the achievements and contributions that older people make to our society.
The participants on the day came from residential housing schemes operated by Cotman Housing, Norwich City Council, Centra Group Housing, and Anchor Housing, whilst other operators such as Norse Care also take part in the Mobile Me project.
Combating Loneliness and Social Isolation
Mobile Me is a research project that aims to grow the understanding of the impact that physical activity can have on health and social care demands of residents in sheltered housing and care homes. One of the main research outcomes from the project is to investigate the impact physical activity can have on social isolation and loneliness amongst residents, and in turn the impact this has upon a person's well being.
Active Norfolk was awarded Norfolk County Council's In Good Company Plus Mark for its work in developing sport and physical activity interventions that are aimed at groups of people who are at risk of social isolation and loneliness, using physical activity as a vehicle to improve mental and social health as well as fitness.
More information: Mobile me
